Missouri Still Debating Legalizing Sports Betting

On Tuesday, Feb. 22, the House Committee on Public Policy reviewed the advantages and disadvantages of legalizing sports gambling in Missouri.

There were no votes on Missouri’s online sports betting legislation yesterday, but a detailed hearing laid out a proposal that could potentially permit up to 39 mobile sportsbooks. The plan is supported by most casinos and the state’s major professional sports teams. Lawmakers have approximately 10 weeks remaining to approve the bill.

— Ryan Butler (@ButlerBets) February 23, 2022

At present, the state prohibits sports betting and the use of mobile betting apps.

Professional sports teams in Missouri, such as the St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Royals, St. Louis Blues, Kansas City Chiefs, and St. Louis City Soccer Club, are currently supporting this initiative. In addition, a representative from Penn National Gaming (Barstool Underscoreg) was also in attendance on Tuesday. Penn National owns and operates three casinos in Missouri.

According to St Louis Cardinals President Bill DeWitt III, the pro sports teams in Missouri are fully in favor of sports wagering as a means to boost fan participation and offer a thrilling new way to experience sports and support our teams, which are integral parts of our communities. Additionally, DeWitt believes that sports wagering will bring in substantial tax revenue for Missouri.

Representatives Phil Christofanelli, R-St. Peters, and Dan Houx, R-Warrensburg, have sponsored bills, HB 2556 and HB 2502, that aim to legalize sports betting. The revenue generated from these bills would be allocated towards funding schools.

Houx stated that this bill is not just a sportsbook, but also a source of revenue.

Christofanelli pointed out that sports gambling is currently taking place in Missouri without any accompanying protections.

In addition, a recent analysis by lawmakers predicts that legalizing sports betting in Missouri could generate more than $15 million in annual tax revenue. Houx and Christofanelli, along with others, pointed out that residents are already participating in sports wagering in the state, but without any of the benefits that a legal and regulated market could provide.

As mentioned, Missouri legislators have about 10 weeks left to approve the required legislation for the legalization of sports betting.

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